File No. 861.00/3385
The Chargé in Great Britain (Laughlin) to the Secretary of State2
[Telegram]
London, December
9, 1918, 4 p.m.
[Received 9.27 p.m.]
[Received 9.27 p.m.]
4436. I took up with Mr. Balfour contents of your 2856, November 16, 6 p.m.,3 who has submitted the following observations on the [Page 457] four specific points put to the Japanese Government by United States Government:
- 1.
- In regard to paragraph 1. His Majesty’s Government have always been anxious for the active participation of American and Japanese troops in Siberia and they see no reason therefore for criticizing from their own point of view the mere presence of considerable bodies of Japanese troops in Russian territory. …
- 2.
- As regards paragraphs, His Majesty’s Government entirely share the view of the United States of America that the Siberian situation can only be properly dealt with in a spirit of frank and open cooperation. They are entirely opposed to any monopoly of control either in Russia or in China.
- 3.
- With the general principles enunciated in paragraph 3, His Majesty’s Government are also in full agreement and, as they have already informed the United States Government, they are prepared to accept any arrangement which the United States Government may come to with the Japanese about railway control. They view with much misgiving the rapid deterioration of all railway communication in Siberia. They believe that this is partly responsible for the extravagant prices which now rule in the western part of that region and are of opinion that the suffering thus occasioned is a potent cause of disaster.
- 4.
- With the fourth paragraph also His Majesty’s Government believe themselves to be in full accord. Now that Russia is relieved of the danger of German military aggression, His Majesty’s Government are retaining their forces in that country for no other objects but the relief of the Czechs and the safeguard of the populations who have loyally thrown in their lot with the Associated powers. They are now in imminent peril for [from] militant Bolshevism which Germany treats as an enemy at home and as an ally abroad: His Majesty’s Government desire so far as it can to support them but is not disposed to use its troops for any ulterior purpose. In this task it earnestly desires the cooperation of the United States of America.
Laughlin